Labor widen lead in latest Irish Times opinion poll

The latest Irish Times poll has confirmed a major swing to the Labor Party as the next leader in government. The poll showed Labor on 33 per cent and Fianna Fail and Fine Gael on 24 per cent each.

If the results were duplicated in an election Labor party leader Eamon Gilmore would be the next Prime Minister, an historic first for a party that has never elected an Irish leader before.

Two of the last three polls now show Labor as the likely next largest party in the Irish parliament.

It was bad news for opposition party Fine Gael who were favorites to lead the next government only weeks ago, but now find themselves only equal with Fianna Fail in the polling.

It will place further pressure on Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny who is only at 25 per cent personal approval, rating, compared to Eamon Gilmore’s 49 per cent. There may now be further challenges to his leadership.

He fought off a challenge from Richard Bruton, his then Deputy Leader in recent months.

Fianna Fail wil lnot be unhappy given that they have drawn level with Fine Gael in support for the first time in two years, despite a terrible economy.

The poll also revealed that Prime Minister Brian Cowen has not been damaged by recent events, including an alleged drinking incident.